The version found in Michigan is called the northern black widow spider. These spiders are not nearly as large as many people think. The body of the female spider is about ½-inch long (1½-inch long including the legs). Males are smaller. Black widow spiders are black, shiny and have a very round abdomen. Females have a red spot (often shaped like an hourglass) on the underside of its abdomen. The male lacks the red hourglass marking but may have yellow and red bands and spots over the back.
Black widow spiders are common around woodpiles and are frequently encountered when homeowners carry firewood into the house. They may also be found under eaves, in boxes, outdoor toilets, meter boxes and other undisturbed places. While they may bite when touched or harmed, they are not aggressive. Be very careful when working around areas where black widow spiders may live. Wear gloves and pay attention to where you are working. Black widow bites are sharp and painful, and the victim should go to the doctor immediately for treatment. To control the black widow, carefully remove all materials where they might hide. They can be cleaned out of an area simply by knocking down the webs, spiders, and round tan egg sacs with a stick and crushing them underfoot.
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